Co-Parenting in Action: How One Family Found Balance After Separation

Category: Parenting After Separation

When Sarah and James (names changes) walked into their first mediation session, they were barely speaking. Their communication had broken down after their separation, and both were worried about how their conflict would affect their two children, both under 10.

But just six months later, they are successfully co-parenting — with a weekly schedule that works, consistent communication, and children who feel secure in both homes. So, what changed?

The Strategy: “Parenting plan with Transition Points”

During mediation, Sarah and James discovered that trying to make too many decisions together in the early stages only led to more arguments. Instead, we introduced a parenting plan, where each parent managed their own household with limited direct contact.

Here’s how it worked:

• They agreed on routines: bedtimes, homework hours, and screen time limits.

• They used a shared parenting app to handle school events and handovers.

• Handovers were done through school reducing direct conflict.

• They set monthly mediation check-ins to gradually move toward more collaborative parenting.

The Turning Point: Putting the Children First

At the second mediation session, James shared that their daughter had started to act out at school. Sarah admitted their son was showing signs of anxiety. That moment shifted the conversation. Instead of focusing on their frustrations with each other, they began to talk about what their children needed.

They both agreed: stability and peace mattered more than their disagreements.

Six Months Later: What Success Looks Like

• The children now know exactly where they’ll be each day.

• Sarah and James have reduced their communication to clear, respectful messages, often through the app.

• They recently attended a school play together — sitting separately, but both present.

• The children’s teachers have reported improvements in mood and behaviour.

A Message about Mediation

Every family is different, and co-parenting takes work. But with the right support and a focus on the wellbeing of the children and family as a whole — it’s absolutely possible to move from conflict to cooperation.

If you’re navigating a separation and want to explore options, contact us to learn more about our family mediation services.